This position is located in the Speech Pathology Department at VA Puget Sound Health Care System. The main purpose of the position is to assist in maximizing the efficiency and delivery of patient care performed by the Speech-Language Pathology staff. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Experience and Education. Experience. Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the position. OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. Must submit transcripts if using education. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-4: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is an entry level developmental position. The HTSLP at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). The assignment of this position includes but is not limited to assisting the SLP with patient assessment and treatment. The health technician adheres to the speech-language pathology clinic policy and standard operating procedures for infection control, cleaning, sterilization and disposition of RME, as well as, radiation safety requirements. The health technician maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system to include monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies; and monitoring expiration date of equipment. GS-5: Experience. One year of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR Education. Successful completion of four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to the position or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to the functions of the occupation. Must submit transcripts. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck. (b) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Knowledge of basic speech-language pathology needs. Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing. Assignment. This is a developmental position. The HTSLP at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed SLP. Assignments of this position include, but are not limited to answering and screening calls from patients regarding speech-language pathology needs; assisting the SLP with patient assessment and treatment; assisting walk-in appointments; and processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their communication devices or cognitive prosthetics. The health technician adheres to the speech-language pathology clinic policy and standard operating procedures for infection control, cleaning, sterilization and disposition of RME including endoscopes, as well as, radiation safety requirements. The health technician maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system to include monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies; and equipment with regards to date of expiration. GS-6: Experience: Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck and oral structures and functions. Knowledge of medical terminology as it relates to speech-language pathology for communication and swallowing impairments. Knowledge of prosthetic items and communication devices often prescribed by speech-language pathology staff and assist with ordering and tracking process. Ability to prepare supplies and equipment for speech, language, voice and/or swallowing evaluation and treatment. Ability to document and code patient procedures. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as a full performance level HTSLP. The HTSLP at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed SLP. Assignments associated with this position include but are not limited to triaging inpatient and outpatient consults in collaboration with the SLP and checking the integrity of instrumentation such as speech science equipment and voice measurement equipment in the clinic. The health technician assists in setting up and delivering face to face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and preparing evaluation rooms for speech-language pathology procedures. The health technician generates therapeutic stimuli and home programs for routine treatments in collaboration with the SLP; monitors facility compliance with established policies; and verifies radiology orders for swallow procedures. The health technician tracks the progress of prosthetic orders and communicates with the SLP and patient regarding the order status. The health technician completes documentation in the patient record for each episode of care and codes procedures as appropriate in preparation for co-signature by the SLP. Preferred Experience: Experience that requires understanding regulations, procedures, and/or guidelines for completion of administrative tasks in a Speech Pathology clinic. Computer literacy that includes strong knowledge and independence with multiple Microsoft Office programs (required are Excel, Word); Good customer service and time management skills also required. Experience could have included setting up equipment for clinic procedures, ordering medical supplies and equipment, establishing and maintaining electronic databases, contacting vendors and customers via phone/email, managing equipment inventories; as well as practical knowledge of infection control and sterilization procedures. References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G70. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44lbs.); Pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking/standing; both legs required; both eyes required; dpeth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted; ability to work closely with others and alone. ["The health technician assists in setting up and delivering face to face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and preparing evaluation rooms for speech-language pathology procedures. They generate therapeutic stimuli and home programs for routine treatments in collaboration with the SLP; monitors facility compliance with established policies; and verifies radiology orders for swallow procedures. They track the progress of prosthetic orders and communicates with the SLP and patient regarding the order status and completes documentation in the patient record for each episode of care and codes procedures as appropriate in preparation for co-signature by the SLP. Duties will vary by grade level and may include: Clinical Assistance with patient care and Education: Coordinates Speech Pathology services and care with or through outside parties. Communicates with Veterans when requested, to facilitate appropriate delivery of prosthetics equipment and/or to verify equipment was delivered. Sets up equipment for objective voice and swallowing studies and sets-up all reusable medical equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures. Assists Speech Pathologists during swallowing studies, voice evaluations, and trachea-esophageal voice prosthetic changes. Transports Speech Pathology documents and materials within the hospital. Assists with transporting patients to and from the department. Assists with creation of treatment materials and home stimuli for Speech Pathology programs with guidance from staff SLPs. Administrative Prosthetics/Logistics: Assists Speech Pathology staff with ordering and management of prosthetic devices. Monitors tracheoesophageal supply inventory. Communicates with Logistics regarding Logistics items inventory. Tracks the timeliness of cognitive, communication, swallow, and speech device Prosthetics orders and monitors manufacturers' delivery of devices. Communicates with Speech-Language Pathology staff when the order is delayed and follows up with prosthetics and/or manufacturer on estimated arrival. Communicates with prosthetics when an issued device is returned to remove items from patient's medical inventory. Supply: Manages the clinic materials & swallow evaluation stock (e.g. tongue depressors, kitchen supplies). Independently manages Speech Pathology clinic spreadsheets for requesting and tracking orders of clinic supplies. Tracks inventory and orders quarterly supplies for Speech Pathology Speech Pathology Divisions. Initiates special orders when requested by the Speech-Language Pathology staff. Reusable Medical Equipment: Correctly names and verbalizes purpose of medical equipment used in SLP studies. Maintains competency for handling of Speech Pathology reusable medical equipment. Maintains personal protective equipment and approved disinfectants for Speech-Language Pathology Clinic. Ensures proper pre-cleaning of reusable medical equipment. Ensures all reusable medical equipment is returned from SPS in a timely & routine fashion. Manages storage of re-processed reusable medical equipment. Assists with set-up of Speech Pathology reusable medical equipment, as requested by staff. Monitors reusable medical equipment sterilization expiration dates and checks the integrity of equipment, Maintains clean, disinfected and sterilized equipment. Serves as a resource to the Speech-Language Pathology staff in clinical and hospital infection control practices. Maintains Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Inventory for Speech-Language Pathology program. Appointment Management and Trial equipment: Assists with clinic grid requests to ensure timely and accurate completion. Contacts Veterans and families to address variety of questions related to scheduled appointments. Maintains patient data in electronic files and documents within prescribed guidelines and limited parameters. Maintains the Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) device, & cognitive-prosthetic device trial library. Manages information security, and infection control for all trial devices. Communicates with triaging clinicians and scheduling clerks regarding discrepancies in schedule. Assist with monitoring Speech Pathology consult completion. Work Orders and Equipment Inventory: Enters & monitors work orders placed for equipment repairs for Speech Pathology. Annually verifies 95% of equipment on EIL in possession of Speech Pathology, all divisions, as requested. Maintains equipment file folders for both departments which include most recently signed EIL, credits, debits & working files. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc available with supervisor approval. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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